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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think there should be a minimum intelligence cut-off for being allowed to vote?

153 replies

FireCanal · 07/05/2015 11:04

Woman on train has just told her companion that "in my district, the person who gets the most votes will be the local MP, not just the government". She genuinely appears to think there is something unusual about this Shock
She followed it up with "do you think there is a polling station in Liverpool?"

OP posts:
littlejohnnydory · 07/05/2015 12:27

How are you going to define intelligence? Information recall, or something like...ooh, I don't know...social imagination, empathy and ability to put yourself in someone else's position?

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 07/05/2015 12:32

People with severe mental illness or incapacitation (idiots as they used to be called) aren't allowed to vote in this country.

So you are kind of right OP.

ouryve · 07/05/2015 12:34

If there needs to be a cut off, then it needs to be based on empathy, not intelligence.Hmm That would probably exclude you, OP.

Thankfully, people like you are balanced out by people who are campaigning to increase participation in politics by people with learning difficulties. Maybe a little reading will help you nurture your empathy, somewhat.
www.unitedresponse.org.uk/every-vote-counts
www.mencap.org.uk/about-learning-disability/laws-and-rights
www.mencap.org.uk/allaboutvoting

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 07/05/2015 12:34

This CAB leaflet lists who cannot vote.

2old2beamum · 07/05/2015 12:35

My 3 DC's with Down Syndrome have voted today, they are quite capable of making a choice! They probably politically aware than some people I speak to in the street. Shock

JohnFarleysRuskin · 07/05/2015 12:36

I imagine that woman on the train didn't actually vote - many people who don't understand the process - and can't be arsed to find out about it - self-select out. It doesn't help that people like Russell Brand actively encourage people not to vote.

TheMagnificientFour · 07/05/2015 12:39

lurking ypu are completely right there.
Also you should have some lessons on how to pull apart what newspaper/politcians are saying and on how to put together a proper argument.
Unless people know what is going on AND know how to express their discontent.disagreement, the politicians have free reign to do whatever they want. No one will or is able to stand up against them.

Stradbroke · 07/05/2015 12:40

What an awful thing to say. We live in a democracy. Honestly did you think before you posted? My DD has SN should she not vote when older? Shall I just let her know that people think she is of less value and therefore has voice.

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 07/05/2015 12:42

There's things I don't know. There are Things I'd buy and sell you on. It would be a dull world if we were all built to the same plAn. Same goes for this women.
It's ignorant to think that just because she doesn't know about how voting works that she is uneducated.

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 07/05/2015 12:43

I also find your post very discriminatory toward those with SN.

unlucky83 · 07/05/2015 12:43

I have often thought there should be a 'test' before you can vote - not just how the system works but key points in party manifestos. I have come across some 'intelligent' people who vote for a party and have really no idea what they are voting for.
(eg from a well educated, mid-20s, single, professional earning £30k+ a year as a starting salary who was voting for Blair in 97 because he would 'bring back free eye tests and I don't think I should have to pay for them'. Not concerned about if anyone else could or could not pay - just they didn't think they should have to pay.

Sooooo - is that in the manifesto???? I don't think it is...so what makes you think it is going to happen? But it will because Labour look after the poor and the NHS Confused.
(Didn't say but wanted to - you have a lot of disposable income...spend £40-50 on a Friday night out - you can afford to pay £20 a year for your health...maybe to subsidise those who can't? - true socialist principles and all that ...)

LurkingHusband · 07/05/2015 12:45

eg from a well educated, mid-20s, single, professional earning £30k+ a year as a starting salary who was voting for Blair in 97 because he would 'bring back free eye tests and I don't think I should have to pay for them'. Not concerned about if anyone else could or could not pay - just they didn't think they should have to pay.

I refer you to my quote upthread ...

Everyone wants free stuff.

happybubblebrain · 07/05/2015 12:48

Russell Brand is telling everyone to vote Labour now.

TheMagnificientFour · 07/05/2015 12:51

How on earth can you consider a vite meaningful if the person voting has no idea what they are voting for, how the system works let alone all the issues linked with politicians? Confused

It's not an issue with intelligenece as such. It's an issue with knowledge.

unlucky83 · 07/05/2015 13:05

I know lurking but that hadn't even been 'promised'! - just wishful thinking...I despaired...

DisappointedOne · 07/05/2015 13:14

This should be covered AT HOME first and foremost.

PerspicaciaTick · 07/05/2015 13:18

I think that the process of registering to vote probably acts as an informal way of weeding the most ignorant.

SirChenjin · 07/05/2015 13:22

I'm with you OP. OK - perhaps intelligence isn't the best marker. Perhaps there should be a test to confirm your knowledge and understanding of what you're actually voting for.

nequidnimis · 07/05/2015 13:30

I feel sorry for you OP, clearly lighthearted and nothing I haven't thought myself.

Behind me in the queue at the bank this morning : 'so is it Labour or the Tories that are in now?'. Bloody hell.

morethanpotatoprints · 07/05/2015 13:33

for once I disagree with the teaching at home foremost.
If basic politics was covered through the nc from 14+ then younger people would vote. This is one of the main problems, children don't learn politics.
To expect parents to do this when they may not have either the time, resources or knowledge themselves is not going to encourage more young people to vote.

I am teaching my dd about some basics now and she is 11, but we have the time, in addition to it being my job atm, as she is H.ed
We are having lots of fun today, basically we are covering the suffragettes to begin with but as she gets into it we will look at modern day voting and see where we end up. Grin Properly planned and taught at schools should be a priority at KS3

DoraGora · 07/05/2015 13:40

Politicians spend their careers misinforming people. Why should voters actually understand any of it?

Icimoi · 07/05/2015 13:43

When I see the level of intelligence shown on EDL and Britain First websites, I do begin to have some sympathy with OP's suggestion.

TheMagnificientFour · 07/05/2015 13:44

Dora if voters aren't suppose to understand any of it, then why on earth do you need them to vote? Or is it just for show?

More I agree, politics should be taught at school
1- because a lot most people haven't clue so can not possibly be expected to teach that to their dcs
2- because what they would teach is likely to be biased, hence the fact the best predictor as to how people are going to vote is how thir parents vote. So much for 'free choice'

TheMagnificientFour · 07/05/2015 13:47

Maybe the answer would be a test, just like there is a test to become a british citizen, there would be one to be able to vote.
seen that quite afew british people would pass the citizenship test, I'm wondering how many people would actually pass a test on basic politics/political sustem in the UK

MyHeadIsItchy · 07/05/2015 13:53

I don't think it would make much difference. Ds's friend's parents are lovely, perfectly intelligent people and yet ds keeps coming home telling me how fantastic his friend thinks UKIP are - I am presuming this comes from his parents as the boys are too young to have political leanings themselves.

So basically intelligent people don't always make intelligent choices.

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